Apertura leader Estudiantes wants to open a six-points gap on Friday night as they take on Lanus.
Argentina's Apertura is back on track, and it's time for Velez and Arsenal to focus on the top and defy Estudiantes' leadership, who has opened a safe three points gap from the other candidates.
River Plate is still struggling with the relegation fight and will be playing a decisive six-pointer with All Boys in Floresta.
Boca Juniors vs Argentinos, San Lorenzo vs Independiente and Banfield vs Velez will be the hottest matches of the week. Independiente and Newell's Old Boys are the only two Argentinean survivors in the Copa Sudamericana, will they be able to face this dual fight without facing humiliation?
Having lost seven of the last eight matches, Olimpo (standing in the 18th position with 9 points) must secure the three points against Miguel Brindisi's Huracan, for the Globos are one of the teams to leapfrog in the fight for the category. Victory at the derby against San Lorenzo two weeks ago boosted Huracan morale, but one should not forget they have lost the last three matches away in the Apertura.
Olimpo coach recovers playmaker Marcelo Mosset for this game and his performance will most surely be decisive for the hosts to secure the game. A classic 4-4-2 formation with Néstor Bareiro and Julio Furch as attack leaders will be waiting for Huracan on Friday night.
Miguel Brindisi's players are still drunk on the honeys of derby success and their excessive self-confidence might be their main rival in Bahia Blanca this week. Gastón Machín will be fully fit to lead Huracan attack along with young Rodrigo Battaglia, star of the match in the derby.
He's been recently called for Argentina's U-20 National Football Team and will have another opportunity to display his prowess on Aurinegro ground. A decisive game for the bottom fight, who'll claim the two points?
Apertura leader Estudiantes hosts Lanus in La Plata in outstanding form. Having received only four goals in 12 matches they've the strongest defense of the decade and will pose a tough enigma for Luis Zubeldia's Granas to solve.
Rodrigo Braña might not finally make it onto the starting eleven as he has not been able to recover on time from a right foot injury, possible making room for Leandro Benitez on the starting eleven. Former Argentinos' Gabriel Peñalba will join Juan Sebastian Veron and Enzo Perez on the midfield, while Marcos Rojo and Gaston Fernandez lead the attack.
Having lost the last two matches played, Lanus' coach Luis Zubeldia gives former Boca Juniors' Mauricio Caranta the responsibility for defending Granas' goal over Agustin Marchesin. "I respect the decision of the manager but I do not agree with him. It'd have been understandable before, but not now" he said.
Lanus' most creative midfielders Sebastián Blanco and Santiago Salcedo are ruled out with injuries and will most likely be missing this decisive game. Marcos Aguirre, on the other hand, is ready to return to the starting eleven as well as Rodrigo Erramuspe who'll strengthen Lanus' back line against one of the deadliest offenses of the Apertura.
Velez Sarsfield is waiting only three points below the top and won't hesitate on joining Estudiantes on the first position if the Pinchas are defeated at home. Lanus needs the three points badly to claim the last place for next year's Libertadores. Are they meant for America's most challenging competition?
Gimnasia and Quilmes occupy the two bottom positions in the Apertura and will be looking forward to feed on each other misery and start adding some units for the relegation fight, for the continuity of both teams next year is surely jeopardized by their disappointing performance this year.
Gimnasia coach Pablo Morant has already celebrated its first victory in the tournament and is likely to experiment with a five-men defensive back line for this clash at the Enchanted Forest.
Central defender Ariel Agüero is back after struggling with injuries and will be replacing Lucas Landa on the back line. Alejandro Capurro and Antonio Rojano are also main candidates to make it onto the starting eleven over Lucas Castro and Claudio Graf.
Quilmes' coach Luis Madelon is aware this game is an early final for both teams and will be deploying his whole artillery to secure the three points, except for Santiago Hirsig who's been struggling with injuries during the week.
Quilmes is an aggressive squad with experienced gunners as J J Morales leading the attack. Are they ready to leave Gimnasia alone in the basement and secure a victory at the Forest?
Newell's obtained an important victory for the Sudamericana against the reigning champion Liga in Quito and will now be taking on a direct rival for the Apertura fight in Mendoza.
Omar Asad's Tombas are occupying the fifth position seven points below the top and are will be saying goodbye to their title dreams if they don't send Roberto Sensini's boys back home empty-handed.
Godoy Cruz coach recovers three key players for this game, as David Ramirez, Jorge Curbelo and Diego Villar have recovered from their injuries and will be ready to receive the Lepras at home.
Godoy Cruz is close from qualifying for the first time for the Copa Libertadores and Newell's is a direct rival for the last place.
Newell's coach decided to give a chance to rest to most of his top players considering they might advance to Sudamericana's semi-finals upon a good performance next week against Liga in Rosario.
Team's goalkeeper Sebastian Peratta and Luciano Vella will be the only two top players on the squad, as Sensini introduces rotation to maintain the hopes alive for both titles.
A decisive game for the title fight, especially important for Estudiantes to know who'll defy their leadership. Who'll claim this six-pointer?
Arsenal's coach Gustavo Alfaro is aware this week's visit to Avellaneda will be conclusive for the title fight, as his Viaducto stands four points below the top and a victory might help them reduce the gap from the leader to the minimum difference if only for a few hours.
Lead by Colombian international Giovanni Moreno, Racing has awakened and will make things extremely difficult for Arsenal, as they can make it to the fifth position upon a victory.
Jorge Ortiz's injury will greatly diminish the strength of the visitors for this game. Ivan Marcone will replace him and his partnership with Cristian Leiva will be decisive to outwit Racing defense.
Arsenal's powerful strikers Luciano Leguizamon and Mauro Obolo will be a nightmare for the Academic defense. Andres Franzoia will be responsible for feeding Arsenal strikers and help them reach Racing goal. Godoy Cruz is the most prolific team in the competition with 23 goals, will they survive this week's game?
Young Bruno Zuculini returns to the starting squad under close watch from Italian Genoa FC. He'll be replacing team's captain Claudio Yacob (he received his fifth yellow card two weeks ago) joining Patricio Toranzo in the midfield.
Gabriel Hauche and Claudio Bieler will be the chosen attackers once again. Will they help Racing defeat one of the best teams in the competition?
Saturday's late game will be one of the hottest matches of the week, as Juan Roman Riquelme returns to the field after more than six months against his former team and just one week before Argentina's Superclasico Boca Juniors vs River Plate.
Claudio Borghi has been on the spot light during the week as Marcelo Bielsa's departure as Chile's coach placed him as one of the main candidates to occupy that position. "I want to be Boca's manager for a long time" he said when asked about the subject.
Sebastian Battaglia and Cristian Erbes will join Riquelme on the midfield ready to secure three points against Clausura champion. A victory is mandatory for the Xeneizes to join the upper half of the positions table, will they make it against the Bichitos Colorados?
Pedro Troglio has a tough nut to crack this Saturday in La Bombonera. He's decided to give an opportunity to young Ciro Ruis to replace Franco Niell on the attack, for Argentinos' top striker has been struggling with injuries and team's manager might choose not to risk him before due time.
Team's captain Nestor Ortigoza will once again play the role of main driver while Troglio modifies his scheme to a more offensive 3-5-2 to overwhelm Boca from the wings. Will this strategy work out and grant Argentinos three decisive points?
This week's first derby features Ramon Diaz Cuervos against Daniel Garnero's wounded Diablos. Standing on the 18th position with 10 points, Independiente needs the three points badly to escape from the murky waters of relegation.
Only a few weeks ago San Lorenzo was widely regarded as one of the main candidates for the title, Having lost three of the last five matches, Cuervos' coach Ramon Diaz will introduce major modifications on his scheme to render Independiente hopeless in Almagro.
Fernando Meza and Gastón Aguirre are ruled out with injuries, while Aureliano Torres, Sebastian Balsas and Nelson Benítez will not be part of the starting eleven after a disappointing performance in the last league matches. Diego Placente and Gonzalo Rovira will have to grow as leaders of the midfield, responsible for feeding Pipi Romagnoli and Sebastian Menseguez on the attack.
Independiente's coach decided to make the Copa Sudamericana his main priority and will be facing San Lorenzo with an alternate squad with Martín Gómez and Leandro Gracian as main drivers.
Who'll leave the stadium with the full scoring?
River and All Boys will be playing a decisive game for the relegation fight this Sunday's evening in Floresta. Diego Buonanotte has gained once again his place among the starting eleven becoming the main play maker, joining Manuel Lanzini in the creative department.
Former River striker Cristian Fabbiani is likely to be Albo's main driver for this decisive clash. All Boys' coach Jose Romero might be unable to do with team's captain Sebastian Grazzini for this game and his deadliest striker Sebastian Ereros.
"We're used to dealing with this pressure, but not River. We'll take advantage of this and secure an important victory at home" said Albo's manager.
River legendary midfielder Matias Almeyda is ruled out with injuries, while experienced striker Ariel Ortega has been left on the bench after a disappointing performance. Almeyda plays a key role harmonizing the strengths of the Millonarios, who will be doing without their most prolific striker Rogelio Funes Mori for this game.
We'll witness a clash of forces with consequences unknown. Who'll claim the three points?
Fernando Gamboa is struggling to recover from the wounds inflicted by Velez Sarsfield three weeks ago, when they fell 6-0 in Liniers. Colon has been unable to secure a single victory in the last month left the Sabaleros at the 12th position with 16 points. Caruso Lombardi's Tigre stands just one point below, though they haven't triumphed a single time since last September.
Fernando Gamboa recovers Ismael Quilez and Ariel Garce for this game and their speed from the wings will be a powerful weapon to overcome Tigre's defense. Team's top striker Esteban Fuertes is struggling with injuries and will not be fully fit to perform, making room for Federico Higuain in the last meters.
Damian Diaz has became Colon offensive lighthouse and his performance will be decisive for the hosts to secure the game. Watch out for Joaquin Larrivey, Colon most dangerous striker.
Caruso Lombardi's Matadores are aware a victory is mandatory to recover their spirit. Pablo Caballero, Román Martínez and Diego Morales return to the starting eleven unlike Juan Carlos Blengio, still struggling with injuries.
An early goal will give Tigre an important advantage in Santa Fe. Will they stop Colon from fighting for next year's Libertadores qualification?
Sunday's late game will face two of the best teams in the tournament against each other in a decisive game for Velez to keep up with Estudiantes' pace.
Velez top striker Santiago Silva will be playing against his former team, with which he lifted last Apertura title. Maxi Moralez recognized his main role will be breaking Banfield defense from the first minute on "Me and Juan Manuel Martinez need to create scoring opportunities for Silva. Banfield focus on free kicks more than us, we play with finesse and precision" he said.
Velez manager Ricardo Gareca said "games as tough as this one are won by the genius of a great player". Velez is only three points behind Estudiantes and a victory is mandatory unless they want to give up on the Apertura fight.
Banfield's captain Victor Martinez is back on the starting team and his speed from the wings might widen the play for Julio Cesar Falcioni's Taladros.
Former Velez player Santiago Ladino declared during the week "This game will be different for the way I feel about Velez and all that surrounds it. But now I'm in Banfield and I want the three points".
Two of Argentina's best squads take on each other to finish the 13th round. Who'll claim the three points?
River Plate is still struggling with the relegation fight and will be playing a decisive six-pointer with All Boys in Floresta.
Boca Juniors vs Argentinos, San Lorenzo vs Independiente and Banfield vs Velez will be the hottest matches of the week. Independiente and Newell's Old Boys are the only two Argentinean survivors in the Copa Sudamericana, will they be able to face this dual fight without facing humiliation?
Having lost seven of the last eight matches, Olimpo (standing in the 18th position with 9 points) must secure the three points against Miguel Brindisi's Huracan, for the Globos are one of the teams to leapfrog in the fight for the category. Victory at the derby against San Lorenzo two weeks ago boosted Huracan morale, but one should not forget they have lost the last three matches away in the Apertura.
Olimpo coach recovers playmaker Marcelo Mosset for this game and his performance will most surely be decisive for the hosts to secure the game. A classic 4-4-2 formation with Néstor Bareiro and Julio Furch as attack leaders will be waiting for Huracan on Friday night.
Miguel Brindisi's players are still drunk on the honeys of derby success and their excessive self-confidence might be their main rival in Bahia Blanca this week. Gastón Machín will be fully fit to lead Huracan attack along with young Rodrigo Battaglia, star of the match in the derby.
He's been recently called for Argentina's U-20 National Football Team and will have another opportunity to display his prowess on Aurinegro ground. A decisive game for the bottom fight, who'll claim the two points?
Apertura leader Estudiantes hosts Lanus in La Plata in outstanding form. Having received only four goals in 12 matches they've the strongest defense of the decade and will pose a tough enigma for Luis Zubeldia's Granas to solve.
Rodrigo Braña might not finally make it onto the starting eleven as he has not been able to recover on time from a right foot injury, possible making room for Leandro Benitez on the starting eleven. Former Argentinos' Gabriel Peñalba will join Juan Sebastian Veron and Enzo Perez on the midfield, while Marcos Rojo and Gaston Fernandez lead the attack.
Having lost the last two matches played, Lanus' coach Luis Zubeldia gives former Boca Juniors' Mauricio Caranta the responsibility for defending Granas' goal over Agustin Marchesin. "I respect the decision of the manager but I do not agree with him. It'd have been understandable before, but not now" he said.
Lanus' most creative midfielders Sebastián Blanco and Santiago Salcedo are ruled out with injuries and will most likely be missing this decisive game. Marcos Aguirre, on the other hand, is ready to return to the starting eleven as well as Rodrigo Erramuspe who'll strengthen Lanus' back line against one of the deadliest offenses of the Apertura.
Velez Sarsfield is waiting only three points below the top and won't hesitate on joining Estudiantes on the first position if the Pinchas are defeated at home. Lanus needs the three points badly to claim the last place for next year's Libertadores. Are they meant for America's most challenging competition?
Gimnasia and Quilmes occupy the two bottom positions in the Apertura and will be looking forward to feed on each other misery and start adding some units for the relegation fight, for the continuity of both teams next year is surely jeopardized by their disappointing performance this year.
Gimnasia coach Pablo Morant has already celebrated its first victory in the tournament and is likely to experiment with a five-men defensive back line for this clash at the Enchanted Forest.
Central defender Ariel Agüero is back after struggling with injuries and will be replacing Lucas Landa on the back line. Alejandro Capurro and Antonio Rojano are also main candidates to make it onto the starting eleven over Lucas Castro and Claudio Graf.
Quilmes' coach Luis Madelon is aware this game is an early final for both teams and will be deploying his whole artillery to secure the three points, except for Santiago Hirsig who's been struggling with injuries during the week.
Quilmes is an aggressive squad with experienced gunners as J J Morales leading the attack. Are they ready to leave Gimnasia alone in the basement and secure a victory at the Forest?
Newell's obtained an important victory for the Sudamericana against the reigning champion Liga in Quito and will now be taking on a direct rival for the Apertura fight in Mendoza.
Omar Asad's Tombas are occupying the fifth position seven points below the top and are will be saying goodbye to their title dreams if they don't send Roberto Sensini's boys back home empty-handed.
Godoy Cruz coach recovers three key players for this game, as David Ramirez, Jorge Curbelo and Diego Villar have recovered from their injuries and will be ready to receive the Lepras at home.
Godoy Cruz is close from qualifying for the first time for the Copa Libertadores and Newell's is a direct rival for the last place.
Newell's coach decided to give a chance to rest to most of his top players considering they might advance to Sudamericana's semi-finals upon a good performance next week against Liga in Rosario.
Team's goalkeeper Sebastian Peratta and Luciano Vella will be the only two top players on the squad, as Sensini introduces rotation to maintain the hopes alive for both titles.
A decisive game for the title fight, especially important for Estudiantes to know who'll defy their leadership. Who'll claim this six-pointer?
Arsenal's coach Gustavo Alfaro is aware this week's visit to Avellaneda will be conclusive for the title fight, as his Viaducto stands four points below the top and a victory might help them reduce the gap from the leader to the minimum difference if only for a few hours.
Lead by Colombian international Giovanni Moreno, Racing has awakened and will make things extremely difficult for Arsenal, as they can make it to the fifth position upon a victory.
Jorge Ortiz's injury will greatly diminish the strength of the visitors for this game. Ivan Marcone will replace him and his partnership with Cristian Leiva will be decisive to outwit Racing defense.
Arsenal's powerful strikers Luciano Leguizamon and Mauro Obolo will be a nightmare for the Academic defense. Andres Franzoia will be responsible for feeding Arsenal strikers and help them reach Racing goal. Godoy Cruz is the most prolific team in the competition with 23 goals, will they survive this week's game?
Young Bruno Zuculini returns to the starting squad under close watch from Italian Genoa FC. He'll be replacing team's captain Claudio Yacob (he received his fifth yellow card two weeks ago) joining Patricio Toranzo in the midfield.
Gabriel Hauche and Claudio Bieler will be the chosen attackers once again. Will they help Racing defeat one of the best teams in the competition?
Saturday's late game will be one of the hottest matches of the week, as Juan Roman Riquelme returns to the field after more than six months against his former team and just one week before Argentina's Superclasico Boca Juniors vs River Plate.
Claudio Borghi has been on the spot light during the week as Marcelo Bielsa's departure as Chile's coach placed him as one of the main candidates to occupy that position. "I want to be Boca's manager for a long time" he said when asked about the subject.
Sebastian Battaglia and Cristian Erbes will join Riquelme on the midfield ready to secure three points against Clausura champion. A victory is mandatory for the Xeneizes to join the upper half of the positions table, will they make it against the Bichitos Colorados?
Pedro Troglio has a tough nut to crack this Saturday in La Bombonera. He's decided to give an opportunity to young Ciro Ruis to replace Franco Niell on the attack, for Argentinos' top striker has been struggling with injuries and team's manager might choose not to risk him before due time.
Team's captain Nestor Ortigoza will once again play the role of main driver while Troglio modifies his scheme to a more offensive 3-5-2 to overwhelm Boca from the wings. Will this strategy work out and grant Argentinos three decisive points?
This week's first derby features Ramon Diaz Cuervos against Daniel Garnero's wounded Diablos. Standing on the 18th position with 10 points, Independiente needs the three points badly to escape from the murky waters of relegation.
Only a few weeks ago San Lorenzo was widely regarded as one of the main candidates for the title, Having lost three of the last five matches, Cuervos' coach Ramon Diaz will introduce major modifications on his scheme to render Independiente hopeless in Almagro.
Fernando Meza and Gastón Aguirre are ruled out with injuries, while Aureliano Torres, Sebastian Balsas and Nelson Benítez will not be part of the starting eleven after a disappointing performance in the last league matches. Diego Placente and Gonzalo Rovira will have to grow as leaders of the midfield, responsible for feeding Pipi Romagnoli and Sebastian Menseguez on the attack.
Independiente's coach decided to make the Copa Sudamericana his main priority and will be facing San Lorenzo with an alternate squad with Martín Gómez and Leandro Gracian as main drivers.
Who'll leave the stadium with the full scoring?
River and All Boys will be playing a decisive game for the relegation fight this Sunday's evening in Floresta. Diego Buonanotte has gained once again his place among the starting eleven becoming the main play maker, joining Manuel Lanzini in the creative department.
Former River striker Cristian Fabbiani is likely to be Albo's main driver for this decisive clash. All Boys' coach Jose Romero might be unable to do with team's captain Sebastian Grazzini for this game and his deadliest striker Sebastian Ereros.
"We're used to dealing with this pressure, but not River. We'll take advantage of this and secure an important victory at home" said Albo's manager.
River legendary midfielder Matias Almeyda is ruled out with injuries, while experienced striker Ariel Ortega has been left on the bench after a disappointing performance. Almeyda plays a key role harmonizing the strengths of the Millonarios, who will be doing without their most prolific striker Rogelio Funes Mori for this game.
We'll witness a clash of forces with consequences unknown. Who'll claim the three points?
Fernando Gamboa is struggling to recover from the wounds inflicted by Velez Sarsfield three weeks ago, when they fell 6-0 in Liniers. Colon has been unable to secure a single victory in the last month left the Sabaleros at the 12th position with 16 points. Caruso Lombardi's Tigre stands just one point below, though they haven't triumphed a single time since last September.
Fernando Gamboa recovers Ismael Quilez and Ariel Garce for this game and their speed from the wings will be a powerful weapon to overcome Tigre's defense. Team's top striker Esteban Fuertes is struggling with injuries and will not be fully fit to perform, making room for Federico Higuain in the last meters.
Damian Diaz has became Colon offensive lighthouse and his performance will be decisive for the hosts to secure the game. Watch out for Joaquin Larrivey, Colon most dangerous striker.
Caruso Lombardi's Matadores are aware a victory is mandatory to recover their spirit. Pablo Caballero, Román Martínez and Diego Morales return to the starting eleven unlike Juan Carlos Blengio, still struggling with injuries.
An early goal will give Tigre an important advantage in Santa Fe. Will they stop Colon from fighting for next year's Libertadores qualification?
Sunday's late game will face two of the best teams in the tournament against each other in a decisive game for Velez to keep up with Estudiantes' pace.
Velez top striker Santiago Silva will be playing against his former team, with which he lifted last Apertura title. Maxi Moralez recognized his main role will be breaking Banfield defense from the first minute on "Me and Juan Manuel Martinez need to create scoring opportunities for Silva. Banfield focus on free kicks more than us, we play with finesse and precision" he said.
Velez manager Ricardo Gareca said "games as tough as this one are won by the genius of a great player". Velez is only three points behind Estudiantes and a victory is mandatory unless they want to give up on the Apertura fight.
Banfield's captain Victor Martinez is back on the starting team and his speed from the wings might widen the play for Julio Cesar Falcioni's Taladros.
Former Velez player Santiago Ladino declared during the week "This game will be different for the way I feel about Velez and all that surrounds it. But now I'm in Banfield and I want the three points".
Two of Argentina's best squads take on each other to finish the 13th round. Who'll claim the three points?
